Model AM8T User Guide
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The AM8T handheld, amplified, noise-canceling DTMF communications microphone is FAA Certified for aircraft application (TSOC58a). In addition to its extremely clear transmission, even in noisy
environments, the AM8T has very low sensitivity to hum pickup
and low susceptibility to radio frequency interference.
Audio and DTMF levels can be independently adjusted with the
supplied screwdriver to match the transmitter input gain. These
protected external controls prevent accidental changes by the user
while allowing adjustments without having to disassemble the microphone case.
The microphone has an illuminated keypad made of tough silicone rubber, with durable printed characters that will last the life of
the microphone. The keypad is backlit by red LEDs, easily visible
during night operation, minimizing eye readjustment for night vision.
The AM8T is designed for use with most currently available aircraft radios. For convenience, all microphone and signaling functions, including keypad illumination, are powered directly from the
microphone input circuit of most transmitters, reducing the need for
equipment modification. A five-conductor MODULINK
separately) connects the modular telephone-type socket of the
AM8T to most aircraft radios using a PJ-068 plug. This cable can
be instantly changed or replaced without soldering.
The AM8T is ergonomical, fitting naturally and comfortably in
the hand. The voice-entry port is at the top of the microphone body
for simple, natural transmitting. The microphone is not affected by
heat or humidity, and the rugged ARMO-DUR
oil, grease, most fumes and solvents, salt spray, sun, rust and corrosion. The AM8T is outstanding in its ability to withstand mechanical shocks and vibration. Its Million-Cycle Plus™ leaf-type switch
is a double-pole, single-throw type that resists the effects of severe
operating conditions and constant use. It has nickel-silver blades
with palladium alloy contacts for reliable oxidation-free operation.
The microphone is supplied with output levels factory preset to
meet TSO-C58a requirements. Adjustments should be made only
by an FAA Approved Service Facility or the Shure Service Department.
The AM8T is supplied with a small screwdriver for releasing the
modular-plug microphone cable from the case and for adjusting
the microphone amplifier gain and DTMF level. A nickel-plated
steel mounting bracket is included for mounting on or near radio
equipment.
®
cable (sold
®
case is immune to
PART OF A COMPLETE LINE
The 598T is part of a full line of mobile microphones, circuitry
products and related accessories.
For a complete listing, contact your Shure Representative or visit www.shure.com.
FEATURES
•
FAA CERTIFIED FOR AIRCRAFT USE
•
DETACHABLE MODULINK® MODULAR PLUG COIL CORD
WITH PJ-068 AIRCRAFT-RADIO PLUG OR A4M TYPE
CONNECTOR
•
NOISE-CANCELING WITH FREQUENCY RESPONSE
TAILORED FOR OPTIMUM INTELLIGIBILITY
•
TOP-TALK SOUND CHANNEL™ FOR CLEAR VOICE INPUT,
EASY HANDLING
•
BUILT-IN TRANSISTOR AMPLIFIER POWERED BY
CARBON-MICROPHONE-TYPE CIRCUIT
•
ILLUMINATED KEYPAD WITH POSITIVE TACTILE
CONFIRMATION AND AUDIBLE VERIFICATION TONES
•
SIMPLE EASY-TO-USE CONTINUOUS-TONE DIALING
•
SCREWDRIVER ACCESSIBLE DTMF LEVEL ADJUSTMENT,
INDEPENDENT OF MICROPHONE GAIN SETTING
•
LOW SENSITIVITY TO HUM AND RF INTERFERENCE
•
RUGGED MILLION-CYCLE PLUS™ LEAF-TYPE SWITCH
STANDS UP UNDER SEVERE ENVIRONMENTS AND
CONSTANT USE
•
HIGH IMPACT ARMO-DUR® CASE, STRONG,
LIGHTWEIGHT, COMFORTABLE TO THE TOUCH IN HOT
OR COLD ENVIRONMENTS
•
RUGGED AND DEPENDABLE UNDER ALL OPERATING
CONDITIONS
SET-UP
The AM8T is equipped with a rear-case hang-up button for use
with a mounting bracket on associated equipment.
CONNECTIONS
To attach the cable to the AM8T, insert the modular telephonetype plug in the microphone jack until it locks. To remove the cable
from the microphone, unlock the plug by inserting the small screwdriver supplied with the AM8T in case hole “A” just above the cable
jack (see Figure 4). Microphone connector wiring is shown in the
table below. The ALM-88 cable is wired at the microphone connector as shown in Figure 3.
Table 1. Microphone Connector Wiring
Pin
Color Function Pin Color Function
1 N.C. 5 Black PTT
2 White Dc Bias (+),
Audio Out
3 Yellow PTT Switch 7 Drain Ground
4 Blue NC 8 N.C.
6 Red Audio Out
Switch
Ground
(Ac
coupled)
APPLICATIONS
•
Aerospace
©2004, Shure Incorporated
27A6005B (Rev. 2)
®Shure, MODULINK, and ARMO-DUR are registered trademarks of Shure,
Incorporated.™ Million-Cycle Plus and Top-talk Sound Channel are trademarks of
Shure Incorporated. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Printed in U.S.A.
OPERATION
Voice Transmission
1. Hold the microphone comfortably in the hand positioned so
that the Top-Talk Sound Channels™ at the top of the case are
near the mouth.The clearest sound is often obtained with the
microphone at the corner of the mouth, with the cable away
from the face.
2. Depress the push-to-talk button and make sure the equipment
is in the transmit mode before speaking.
Dialing
1. Press and hold the push-to-talk button.
2. Press the desired keypad buttons in sequence.A high-pitched
tone will confirm that the code has been transmitted. (The
microphone audio is muted during DTMF tone transmission.)
Operation of microphone and DTMF functions requires that the
AM8T be connected to the communications equipment and that
the equipment power is turned on.
After connection to the communications set, turn the equipment
power On. Pressing the push-to-talk switch and observing the keypad LED backlighting can verify power application.
Factory preset microphone audio and DTMF levels are correct
for aircraft radios with standard input circuits (as defined in RTCA
DO-170), and level adjustment should not ordinarily be necessary.
When such adjustment is necessary, it should be performed only
by Shure Incorporated or by an FAA Approved Service Facility.
Use the supplied screwdriver to adjust the microphone sensitivity and DTMF output levels as follows:
1. Microphone sensitivity: Press the push-to-talk button and
speak normally into the microphone while checking transmitter
modulation.Adjust the microphone sensitivity control (case
back, hole “B” in Figure 4) and repeat the talk test as required.
2. DTMF output: Press and hold the push-to-talk button.
Depress and hold down a keypad button for a continuous
tone. Adjust the DTMF output control (case back, hole “C” in
Figure 4) as required.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type
Electret condenser, noise canceling, with transistor pre-amplifi-
er, DTMF signaling circuitry, illuminated keypad
Frequency Response
200 to 4,000 Hz (see Figure 1)
Polar Pattern
Bidirectional, noise canceling
Electrical Characteristics
Operating Voltage
8 V 12 V 28 V Notes
Audio Output Level*
(100 µbar acoustic
test signal at
1 kHz, 10 mm)
DTMF Output Level
Dc Supply Current**
*Standard electrical test circuit per RTCA DO-170
**Microphone is powered only
current = 0 if PTT switch is released)
–11.5 dBV
(266 mV)
–12.8 dBV
(230 mV)
6 mA 12 mA 36 mA
–11.0 dBV
(281 mV)
–12.0 dBV
(250 mV)
while PTT switch is depressed (standby
–10.0 dBV
(316 mV)
–11.2 dBV
(275 mV)
Audio trimpot in factory
preset position
DTMF trimpot in factory
preset position
Environmental Conditions
Operating Temperature: -40 to 60° C (-40 to 140° F)
Storage Temperature: -54 to 85° C (-65 to 185° F)
Relative Humidity: 0 to 95% (non-condensing)
Microphone Connector
6-conductor modular telephone type
PTT Switch Assembly
Mechanical: Double-pole, single-throw, leaf-type, normally open
Cable
ALM-88, detachable MODULINK
®
, 1.8 m (6 ft) extended cord
with modular plug on microphone end and PJ-068 aircraft connector on equipment end; and ALM-89 with A4M type connector.
Construction
Case: Black textured high-impact ARMO-DUR
Switch Button: Black ARMO-DUR
®
®
Keypad: Molded silicone rubber
Dimensions
See Figure 2
Net Weight (including cable and connector)
283 g (10 oz)
Replacement Parts
Modular plug-cable with PJ-068 plug assembly.. ALM-88
A4M type connector............................................ALM-89
Furnished Accessories
Screwdriver......................................................... 80B498
Optional Accessories
Mounting Bracket (3 in kit) .................................. RK6MB
dB
+10
±10
FAA Certification
The Model AM8T is FAA Certified for aircraft use under FAA
0
500 1,000 2,000 5,000 10,000 20,00050 100 20020
Hz
TYPICAL FREQUENCY RESPONSE
FIGURE ONE
TSO-C58a requirements. To maintain this FAA Certification, any
service required for the Model AM8T must be performed by Shure
Incorporated or by an FAA Approved Service Facility.
2